Ladder for large Dobsonian

[astrolunartick]

Hi Scopers

Just a simple question for large Dobsonian users. What kind of A frame ladder do you use?

[ollypenrice]

Bog standard ally from the hardware shop. I originally made a wheeled platform to take two people but it was rather cumbersome and eventually was outvoted by our guests!

Olly

[Beulah]

Aluminum frame,  here. Light and easy to move when slewing to different parts of the sky.

[ScottS]

http://stargazerslounge.com/topic/236612-calling-all-large-dob-owners/?hl=%2Bhedge#entry2563377

[swamp thing]

Plastic caravan step. Nice big platform and light enough to boot about into place with a quick kick...... Oh and cheap

[Peter Drew]

Just about to order a 12 step step ladder with handrails for the 30". Midlands Ladder Co have a very competitive range. 

[SteveB72]

I use one of these for my 16" dob.

[Dannae]

Hi,

I use a little giant as seen in my profile pic. It is very sturdy, extendable (also asymmetrical if you wish to get nice and close to the eyepiece) and you can buy platforms to stand/sit on to reduce the fatigue of the rungs on the soles of your feet. The top platform I use to put my tablet etc.

Regards

Dannae

[Uplooker]

I am surprised that so many have posted on this thread that they actually use a step for their dobs. i appreciate that the f/ ratio has a big part to play but I did not think that there were many with 16 inch scopes or larger that were over f/6.

Sorry, going off topic.

Ian

[Moonshane]

Thankfully I don't need one for my 16" f4 although I made it that way!

[Beulah]

I am surprised that so many have posted on this thread that they actually use a step for their dobs. i appreciate that the f/ ratio has a big part to play but I did not think that there were many with 16 inch scopes or larger that were over f/6.

Sorry, going off topic.

Ian

Does depend how tall you are. Anyone over 6ft who is good on tiptoes won't need a ladder for a 16 inch, f/4.4 dob. The actual height of the extended and mounted OTA at Zenith is well over 6ft.

For larger scopes, you have to feel secure on the ladder, as the scope will not help you if you lose your balance!  No rickety grandad's woodwormed decorating ladder from 1956 will help here.

[estwing]

F3.9...no step needed!!

[gkec]

Step ladders! So 19th century.

[astrolunartick]

Step ladders! So 19th century.

Cherry picker??? hahaha

[astrolunartick]

F3.9...no step needed!!

You lucky lucky £@%$£^%%£%^ hahaha oh to have a short Focal ratio and a paracorr. One day my friend one day........  

[ollypenrice]

Just about to order a 12 step step ladder with handrails for the 30". Midlands Ladder Co have a very competitive range. 

May I suggest adding one or two of these... https://www.alpkit.com/bouldering-mats

lly

[Peter Drew]

, Fortunately we were able to buy some parachutes cheaply. 

[estwing]

You lucky lucky £@%$£^%%£%^ hahaha oh to have a short Focal ratio and a paracorr. One day my friend one day........

i was thinking of going shorter like F3.2..!

[SteveB72]

Mine is f4.45 and I need one step to view comfortably.

[PeterW]

Anyone man enough to go <f3? Nice bright images, no ladders.

Cheers

Peter

[estwing]

Yeh F3....28"!

[PeterW]

Go for it... I had the option of a 12" f3 mirror..... Turned it down :-((( Would have made a nice "sneaky" dob. if anyone is thinking of grinding a crazy mirror if be interested.... Not after perfection, a "practice" quality one would be fine.

I guess scope speed is the disease you still have after you have quietened aperure fever?

Cheers

PeterW

[PeterW]

http://www.loptics.com/documents/SpicaEyes_32inF2p8.pdf

PeterW

[Uplooker]

That's some scope!

Ian

Sent from my Fone

[Beulah]

http://www.loptics.com/documents/SpicaEyes_32inF2p8.pdf

PeterW

Yes please.